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Allergy symptom/treatments - I'm confused
I'm real confused about allergy symptoms & treatments, I've done alot of research on the internet, but never find what I'm really looking for. Common allergy symptoms are: sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, hives, rashes. But I never had these symptoms.
My symptoms are, stuffy nose, swollen throat, excess mucus production, tight chest occassional difficulty breathing. I do not have Asthma, I am a smoker, had 3 PFT's return normal, breathing at 97%., I was prescribed Asmanex & Foradil for Ashtma prevention/maintenance, allergist said I was developing Ashtma.
I tested positive for these allergens, here's the list:
Elm, Cedar 3-4
Pecan 5-5
Johnson grass 5-7
Mold - Cladosporin herbarum 5-5
Mold - Epicoccum 5-6
Mold - Phoma 5-5
Smut, Bermuda grass -5-5
Histamine 5-20 / 20-60
Sinus test revealed thick mucus in the sinus cavity.
I was prescribed Zyrtec, took it for a few weeks, the med made me really sleepy/tired and did not help, my symptoms. Then I was prescribed Loratadine, took it for a few weeks, which made my heart pound like crazy, and did not help my symptoms. I tried Benadryl, did not work. Now I'm thinking cause I don't have the symptoms labled on the meds, is why they don't work.
My allergist wants to start allergy shot treatments, weekly for the next 3 years and said allergy shots may or may not work 50/50,.
I don't understand how I tested positive for allergies and no treatments seem to work. I have bought allergy pillows, sheet, blanket, bed covering, have my carpet cleaned twice a month, had my trees cut down, steam inhaler, basically the works.
But my symptoms still persist every single day for a very long time and doesn't seem to go away, they go from mild to chronic daily.
Are allergy medications suppose to treat all allergy symptoms ?? Are there any sites that lists all allergy symptoms ? I've tried Webmd which lists all allergy types, but not symptoms. Sorry so long, really need help. Thanks for anyone's feedback.
My symptoms are, stuffy nose, swollen throat, excess mucus production, tight chest occassional difficulty breathing. I do not have Asthma, I am a smoker, had 3 PFT's return normal, breathing at 97%., I was prescribed Asmanex & Foradil for Ashtma prevention/maintenance, allergist said I was developing Ashtma.
I tested positive for these allergens, here's the list:
Elm, Cedar 3-4
Pecan 5-5
Johnson grass 5-7
Mold - Cladosporin herbarum 5-5
Mold - Epicoccum 5-6
Mold - Phoma 5-5
Smut, Bermuda grass -5-5
Histamine 5-20 / 20-60
Sinus test revealed thick mucus in the sinus cavity.
I was prescribed Zyrtec, took it for a few weeks, the med made me really sleepy/tired and did not help, my symptoms. Then I was prescribed Loratadine, took it for a few weeks, which made my heart pound like crazy, and did not help my symptoms. I tried Benadryl, did not work. Now I'm thinking cause I don't have the symptoms labled on the meds, is why they don't work.
My allergist wants to start allergy shot treatments, weekly for the next 3 years and said allergy shots may or may not work 50/50,.
I don't understand how I tested positive for allergies and no treatments seem to work. I have bought allergy pillows, sheet, blanket, bed covering, have my carpet cleaned twice a month, had my trees cut down, steam inhaler, basically the works.
But my symptoms still persist every single day for a very long time and doesn't seem to go away, they go from mild to chronic daily.
Are allergy medications suppose to treat all allergy symptoms ?? Are there any sites that lists all allergy symptoms ? I've tried Webmd which lists all allergy types, but not symptoms. Sorry so long, really need help. Thanks for anyone's feedback.
In most cases, your doctor will start by prescribing a medication or combination of drugs to control your allergy symptoms. A common combination might include a corticosteroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation and an antihistamine to ease the annoying symptoms of swelling, itching, and a runny nose. Your doctor may also recommend eye drops and, if you're stuffed up, a decongestant as well.
More and more often, allergists prescribe a course of immunotherapy, more commonly known as allergy shots. Your doctor will give you a series of injections containing small, purified doses of your allergy trigger -- pollens, mold, pet dander, or whatever you are allergic to. The dose is gradually increased over time until your immune system stops reacting to the allergen. In addition to relieving your allergies, the shots can help prevent more serious problems, like asthma.
Your doctor will consider allergy shots if your symptoms don't seem to respond well to medication or if you have year-round allergies and prefer not to be on medication all the time. Medications can control symptoms, but allergy shots -- if they work in your case -- are a more lasting solution.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/allergy
Hope this information helps you.
More and more often, allergists prescribe a course of immunotherapy, more commonly known as allergy shots. Your doctor will give you a series of injections containing small, purified doses of your allergy trigger -- pollens, mold, pet dander, or whatever you are allergic to. The dose is gradually increased over time until your immune system stops reacting to the allergen. In addition to relieving your allergies, the shots can help prevent more serious problems, like asthma.
Your doctor will consider allergy shots if your symptoms don't seem to respond well to medication or if you have year-round allergies and prefer not to be on medication all the time. Medications can control symptoms, but allergy shots -- if they work in your case -- are a more lasting solution.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/allergy
Hope this information helps you.
Sorry I thought I posted that last comment in the general forum. I'm Not the
most computer savy! However, I read your comments and noticed you had alot of
mold allergies. I have tested positive for many mold allergies as well and I did shots
for 2 years without alot of success. I was told the shots are less effective for mold
allergies, but very effective for cats and ragweed. the symptoms you describe sound like
they are very related to allergies. I have been dealing with them for a long time. Overall
I have improved in health but still have some very bad days with alot of fatigue.
Good luck .....it gets really old.... right now I am triing to stay indoors with the air on..
I take antihistamines on a daily basis and when I feel congested like now add pseudophed. My allergist tells me the stuffiness comes from the mold exposure
most computer savy! However, I read your comments and noticed you had alot of
mold allergies. I have tested positive for many mold allergies as well and I did shots
for 2 years without alot of success. I was told the shots are less effective for mold
allergies, but very effective for cats and ragweed. the symptoms you describe sound like
they are very related to allergies. I have been dealing with them for a long time. Overall
I have improved in health but still have some very bad days with alot of fatigue.
Good luck .....it gets really old.... right now I am triing to stay indoors with the air on..
I take antihistamines on a daily basis and when I feel congested like now add pseudophed. My allergist tells me the stuffiness comes from the mold exposure
Hi lind,
Hope you feel better. Head pressure has never really been an issue for me, but I do notice with weather change, I do get head pressure/headaches, but an ice pack and 1 Advil relieves the symptom.
Interesting theory about barometric pressure, I will have to do some research.
But I do know for a fact, weather change causes my allergy/sinus symptoms.
Hope you feel better. Head pressure has never really been an issue for me, but I do notice with weather change, I do get head pressure/headaches, but an ice pack and 1 Advil relieves the symptom.
Interesting theory about barometric pressure, I will have to do some research.
But I do know for a fact, weather change causes my allergy/sinus symptoms.
I have been experiencing a lot of head pressure, and dizziness, and fatigue the last couple of days. the head pressure sometimes has some pain associated with it,sometimes throbbing but mostly a feeling of pressure. I have had this in the past
and many times can associate with changes in the barometric pressure or weather
systems that come and go. I definately have more problem in the spring and fall with this.
I have spoken to my physician about it and he said it sounds like a sinus migraine and
gave me some migraine meds to try. I have had limited relief from the two i have tried.
I find if I lay down in a dark room, with little noise and light and LIIMIT MY MOVEMENT,
it tends to help. I also have an overall SICK feeling when i have these pressure headaches and tend to get more clumsy.I have alot of mold allergies and wonder if
this plays a part in this. All the research I have done so far about barometric related
headaches have produced little help...any suggestions................................
and many times can associate with changes in the barometric pressure or weather
systems that come and go. I definately have more problem in the spring and fall with this.
I have spoken to my physician about it and he said it sounds like a sinus migraine and
gave me some migraine meds to try. I have had limited relief from the two i have tried.
I find if I lay down in a dark room, with little noise and light and LIIMIT MY MOVEMENT,
it tends to help. I also have an overall SICK feeling when i have these pressure headaches and tend to get more clumsy.I have alot of mold allergies and wonder if
this plays a part in this. All the research I have done so far about barometric related
headaches have produced little help...any suggestions................................
Hi Crystal,
Just realized I kept writing your username crystalfish, Lol,. Sorry. I just had my eye exam last week, maybe need to have them re-checked. I had Salmon for dinner tonight, maybe I had fish on the brains.
Just realized I kept writing your username crystalfish, Lol,. Sorry. I just had my eye exam last week, maybe need to have them re-checked. I had Salmon for dinner tonight, maybe I had fish on the brains.
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for all the great info. Process of elimination. At least now, I will know what's causing what from all the great info you have provided.
Will purchase NasalCrom first thing in the morning. I have tried Flunisolide nasal spray last year, which helped for about an hour, then nose would swell back up and dry out real bad. Afrin worked great, but I was getting addicted to the spray, had to stop. Read long term use was not appropriate.
I had sinus surgery back in 1994, can't really remember what is was for, but the ent cut an insention inside my mouth, left jaw/cheek after reviewing an x-ray.
Well let me see how the next few day's go, thanks for all your help.
AJ
Thanks for all the great info. Process of elimination. At least now, I will know what's causing what from all the great info you have provided.
Will purchase NasalCrom first thing in the morning. I have tried Flunisolide nasal spray last year, which helped for about an hour, then nose would swell back up and dry out real bad. Afrin worked great, but I was getting addicted to the spray, had to stop. Read long term use was not appropriate.
I had sinus surgery back in 1994, can't really remember what is was for, but the ent cut an insention inside my mouth, left jaw/cheek after reviewing an x-ray.
Well let me see how the next few day's go, thanks for all your help.
AJ
Yea. IGE/histamine count. 20-60 I am a but mixed up over the multiple numbers. 5 is almost 0 but 20 is enough. Some people can be over 1000 and feel fine and others can be low and feel terrible. Reactions can also be local where the pollens make contact like your nose and throat. Either way NasalCrom is like $16 even cheaper at target/walmart. Can't hurt to try.
If you have a sinus condition that can make mucus all on its own with out histamine and then the Nasal Crom would not do anything, same with the clarinex. But if you have a mucus problem not allergy related the steroid nasal sprays do stop it. Ask for free samples if the nasal crom doesn't work. Each nasal spray is different. Astilen is a combo nasal and allergy spray. Burns when you use it and dries you up. Powerful stuff. I couldn't handle the dryness from it. Each person reacts different to each nasal spray. You might have to try several before you find one that works well. Give each one 3 days and if no benefit switch.
If you have a sinus condition that can make mucus all on its own with out histamine and then the Nasal Crom would not do anything, same with the clarinex. But if you have a mucus problem not allergy related the steroid nasal sprays do stop it. Ask for free samples if the nasal crom doesn't work. Each nasal spray is different. Astilen is a combo nasal and allergy spray. Burns when you use it and dries you up. Powerful stuff. I couldn't handle the dryness from it. Each person reacts different to each nasal spray. You might have to try several before you find one that works well. Give each one 3 days and if no benefit switch.
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for all the information provided. I will ask about Clarinex and try NasalCrom.
I have a question, you shared anything over 40 can cause breathing problems, are you referring to Histamine ?? Are you referring to histamine 20-60 ? Sorry, I'm new to all this.
histamine 5-20, the nurse told me the first number is important, so my histamine is low, but my symptoms are severe. Thanks for all your help.
Thanks for all the information provided. I will ask about Clarinex and try NasalCrom.
I have a question, you shared anything over 40 can cause breathing problems, are you referring to Histamine ?? Are you referring to histamine 20-60 ? Sorry, I'm new to all this.
histamine 5-20, the nurse told me the first number is important, so my histamine is low, but my symptoms are severe. Thanks for all your help.
swollen throat, excess mucus production, tight chest occassional difficulty breathing
These are also common allergy problems. Might not be asthma could all be allergy. Allergy can also cause swelling of the air way similar to asthma. Asthma meds do help, but if it is caused by allergy you will need to treat the allergy to stop it.
These are also common allergy problems. Might not be asthma could all be allergy. Allergy can also cause swelling of the air way similar to asthma. Asthma meds do help, but if it is caused by allergy you will need to treat the allergy to stop it.
Ahh good old Cladosporin herbarum. It's everywhere in the air. Grows under tree leaves and in shady places where their is water. Common mold. There is no escape from that unless you never go out side.
Your allergies are common. There are many people just like you that have these reactions. Most people have regular hay fever type reactions...
The breathing could be some mucus. This works great for this type of allergy.
Clarinex, very similar to Claritin but different. It will help with mucus. 3 times the price which is bad, but it really works better for mucus. Claritin does little.
Nasal spray called Nasal Crom. Great stuff gentle and such. Over the counter. It shuts off the mucus cells for a few hours. Drips down your throat and helps the mucus there too. Very gentle med. If that doesn't work you can try a steroid nasal spray. Their not so gentle but they work for 24+ hours.
If any mucus drips in your air way or is produced in your air way it can trigger a breathing problem. I think the nasalcrom over the counter spray should help. The clarinex might do it alone. Or the nasal spray. Both are effective. I prefer to take a once a day antihistamine rather than spray nasal sprays all day. I used to use them together.
Benedryl is great for allergies but doesn't always stop the mast cell from releasing mucus. Try the Clarinex. It worked for me.
As for the allergy shots I say HOO RAAA. They worked the best for me! Takes a few months. See my post for allergy shots. Meds were so so, but the shots did wonders.
You sound like me just before my allergies got really bad. The shots should prevent it from at least getting worst. The first month or so probably will get worst with shots. I wish I had started them sooner.
Your levels definitely indicate an allergic reaction. Anything over 40 can cause breathing problems my doctor told me. I was up around 200 when I was not having allergies and gosh only knows how hight I was when I had an allergy attack. So your not so bad right now. Medication should be able to handle it as the histamine is lower.
The breathing could be some mucus. This works great for this type of allergy.
Clarinex, very similar to Claritin but different. It will help with mucus. 3 times the price which is bad, but it really works better for mucus. Claritin does little.
Nasal spray called Nasal Crom. Great stuff gentle and such. Over the counter. It shuts off the mucus cells for a few hours. Drips down your throat and helps the mucus there too. Very gentle med. If that doesn't work you can try a steroid nasal spray. Their not so gentle but they work for 24+ hours.
If any mucus drips in your air way or is produced in your air way it can trigger a breathing problem. I think the nasalcrom over the counter spray should help. The clarinex might do it alone. Or the nasal spray. Both are effective. I prefer to take a once a day antihistamine rather than spray nasal sprays all day. I used to use them together.
Benedryl is great for allergies but doesn't always stop the mast cell from releasing mucus. Try the Clarinex. It worked for me.
As for the allergy shots I say HOO RAAA. They worked the best for me! Takes a few months. See my post for allergy shots. Meds were so so, but the shots did wonders.
You sound like me just before my allergies got really bad. The shots should prevent it from at least getting worst. The first month or so probably will get worst with shots. I wish I had started them sooner.
Your levels definitely indicate an allergic reaction. Anything over 40 can cause breathing problems my doctor told me. I was up around 200 when I was not having allergies and gosh only knows how hight I was when I had an allergy attack. So your not so bad right now. Medication should be able to handle it as the histamine is lower.
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